143: Longevity in Combat Sports: Safety, Recovery, and the Drive to Compete, with Jack Fonderwhite, LAc

Jack Fonderwhite, LAc is the creator of Peak Mind, a novel electroacupuncture approach to neurostimulation, and the founder of Jackupuncture in Hawaii. He is a provider for some of Hawaii’s top talent, including UFC’s BMF champion Max Holloway. A former kickboxing competitor himself, Jack combines nearly a decade of clinical expertise with personal experience to help elite performers—especially combat sports athletes—elevate their brain’s ability to perform at its best in sport, work, and life. His brain-first approach specializes in helping present and former athletes recover from concussions and optimize their cognitive longevity.In this episode of the Concussion Coach Podcast, host Bethany Lewis reunites with her friend and fellow “Concussion Nerd” Jack Fonderwhite. They dive deep into the unique challenges of diagnosing, treating, and recovering from concussions in the world of combat sports (MMA, kickboxing, boxing, etc.). Jack explains why combat sports athletes face a higher risk of undetected sub-concussive impacts, the lack of baseline data in youth sports, and the importance of proactive brain care for those who choose to continue fighting. He shares powerful anecdotes about treating psychosis and hallucinations resulting from repeated head trauma, offers practical advice for parents of young fighters, and outlines how athletes can train safely without giving up the sport they love. Finally, Jack discusses his upcoming nonprofit to fund concussion care for youth athletes and how he works with clients both in-person and virtually.Resources Mentioned in the EpisodePupillometry / Reflex Pro: An app-based tool that scans the pupil’s response to light to assess autonomic nervous system function and screen for suspected neurological injury.Baseline Testing: Jack emphasizes the need for comprehensive baseline measurements (cognition, reaction time, balance, visual, vestibular, proprioceptive, and autonomic systems) before an athlete begins competing.Sub-threshold Cardio Rehab: An evidence-based recovery method using heart-rate-monitored exercise to help the brain heal after trauma.Contact & Follow Jack FonderwhiteWebsite: jackupuncture.comEmail: [email protected]: @jackupuncturehiPrevious Episode (Episode 104): Jack Fonderwhite on Electroacupuncture & ConcussionConnect with Bethany:Website: https://theconcussioncoach.com/Free Guide: "5 Best Ways to Support Your Loved One Dealing with a Concussion" on the websiteFree Consultation: https://theconcussioncoach.com/free-consultation